In this section, find out everything you need to know about visiting the Museum, how to get here and the extraordinary exhibitions on display. Check out the 'What's on' calendar of events, workshops, free tours and education programs.

In this section, there's a wealth of information about our collections of scientific specimens and cultural objects. Come and explore what our researchers, curators and education programs have to offer!

In this section, explore all the different ways you can be a part of the Museum's groundbreaking research, as well as come face-to-face with our dedicated staff. Join us, volunteer and be a part of our journey of discovery!

Redheads and insects

What do entomologists and phillumenists have in common? The appreciation of a good matchbox.

Last week we opened one box from the Entomology unit and found over a hundred more inside – 286 matchboxes to be precise. With some padding on the inside, an empty matchbox would have made a sturdy container for any insect discovered during field observations.

Apart from being a useful tool for scientific research, the collecting of matchboxes and anything related to matches, known as phillumeny, reveals a few curiosities about our cultural identity.

Our newly discovered matchbox collection includes iconic Australian brands such as Redhead and Federal, along with Paradise from Papua New Guinea and Koala safety matches made in Indonesia.

Bryant and May, Australia’s first matchbox manufacturer which was opened by the then Prime Minister, Alfred Deakin, released Redhead safety matches and the logo ‘Miss Redhead’ in 1946. Judging by the hairstyle, our Redhead matchboxes can be dated from the 1970s onwards and include a few samples from the series of famous redheads, Ginger Meggs and Vincent Van Gogh.

In contrast to the whimsy of the Redhead brand, the messages of the Federal and Australian matches reminded us about the dangers of driving (with cartoons), 'You want your child to be a missile? Don't let him stand up' and scenes from some of our primary industries, timber logging and sheep dipping.

The Australian Museum respects and acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways on which the Museum stands.
—
We acknowledge Elders past, present and emerging.This website may contain names, images and voices of deceased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.